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Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Moomba’s all-new Mondo takes many of its cues from the popular Mojo 2.5, but
at 2 feet shorter, it’s in a completely different size class that’s friendlier
to size-restricted waterways, smaller tow vehicles and garage storage. Features
and running surface similar to the Mojo’s mean the Mondo will handle surfers
and wakeboarders well, and it’s luxuriously appointed for a value-class boat.

The Mondo’s huge, clutter-free interior feels big for its 20.5-foot length
overall. The high freeboard, deep seating and no-nonsense design make this boat
feel at least a size class bigger. The boat’s fiberglass cockpit sole with
snap-in carpet is low-maintenance and makes cleanup a breeze. The Mondo’s dash
shares the Mojo’s utilitarian mentality: Handsomely styled, it features analog
gauges with stainless-steel hoods and illuminated rocker switches that are
never on when you think they’re off. The digital display is small and easy to
use with shallow menus you can figure out the first time at the helm. Speed
control, engine
diagnostics, wake-plate position and ballast gauges are all easily accessible
without a PhD in computer science.

The Mondo’s wakeboard and surf performance also impressed me. This small
boat throws out ramps and swells far beyond its size class, thanks to the
impressive 1,300 pounds of factory ballast, 13-person capacity and deep-V hull.
The Mondo’s hull naturally wants to roll over on its side for surfing, and the
high freeboard means you won’t get water over the rub rail or spray passengers.
The Mondo’s surf-specific transom platform has beveled edges to cut down spray
on the face of the wave, and the new Oz HD tower has a sleek design and
features thicker tubing than ever before for a vibration-free, sturdy feel.